Sun River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1983 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sun River was last stocked April 29, 1983 with Arctic Grayling. Sun River has 196 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1983, with about 4,435,428 fish stocked over that period.
When Sun River is stocked
Sun River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 73 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sun River
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Montana.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Sun River, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Sun River was last stocked April 29, 1983, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Montana freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Montana license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Montana fish & wildlife agency.Official Montana regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Sun River:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for Sun River
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Sun River, freshest activity first.
Wadsworth Lake
4 mi5 species · 104 records
Last stocked May 2026
Giant Springs Fishing Pond
5 mi2 species · 202 records
Last stocked October 2025
Rainbow Dam Reservoir
5 mi4 species · 487 records
Last stocked October 2025
Pow Wow Pond
7 mi3 species · 89 records
Last stocked June 2021
Borgstrom Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2019
Woodland Estates Pond
6 mi1 species · 25 records
Last stocked May 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 29, 1983 | Arctic Grayling | 636 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,140 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,140 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 950 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 950 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 880 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 10, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 882 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 882 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 820 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 820 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 830 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 830 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,940 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,940 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 3,080 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 3,080 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,470 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,565 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,470 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,565 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,530 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,530 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,530 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,530 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,240 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 196 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Sun River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sun River was last stocked April 29, 1983 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Sun River?
Sun River is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Sun River stocked?
Sun River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Sun River stocked?
Sun River has been stocked about 4 times a year — 196 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1983.
How many fish have been stocked in Sun River?
About 4,435,428 fish have been stocked in Sun River across 196 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Sun River?
Fish stocked in Sun River average about 6.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sun River?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Montana freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Montana fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Sun River?
Freshly stocked trout in Sun River typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.